Top 7 Paris Nightclubs 2014

Top Paris nightclubs in 2014? We've got you covered. Infinitely more famous for its pastries, museums, and fashions, Paris has taken some much-needed cues from New York and Berlin and made massive strides forward in its nightlife recently. What this means: a bevy of new nightclub options designed for night owls more focused on music and dancing than primping and sipping. From the exclusive members-only atmosphere of Silencio to the frenetic energy of Concrete, a boat-turned-club, here's a breakdown of the absolute best nightclubs that Paris has to offer. One important word of advice to those used to a more casual night out: dealing with strict doors is just a part of (night)life in the City of Lights, so think carefully about what you decide to wear and prepare to exercise some patience as you wait to see if you make the cut. Seriously.

Silencio

A members-only club designed and conceptualized by American filmmaker David Lynch, Silencio draws an international crowd of designers, artists, musicians, and fashionistas who prefer a more demure atmosphere for socializing and dancing. The in-house movie theatre hosts showings of everything from unreleased French art films to Fashion Week runway shows, while patrons sip cocktails in the underground space's chic nooks and crannies. Depending on the night, you're likely to find yourself on the dance floor enjoying a private concert from an international artist like Zebra Katz or dancing to disco and house flawlessly mixed by the best DJs in Paris. A great collection of books and a steady flow of art on display by luminaries Iike Larry Clark only adds to the atmosphere. If you're not friends with a member, Silencio is open to the public after midnight. Be advised: there is a strict no-photos policy.

Faust

Part restaurant and part immense nightclub, Faust threw open its doors for the first time during Fall Fashion Week and immediately became a fixture for discerning Parisians looking for a more upscale night out of dancing. Situated under the Pont Alexandre III bridge, it's a sleek and forward-thinking nightclub with programming that pairs luminaries from the French underground (a given week can see the heads of Sound Pelligrino Records mixing alongside members of the vogue/ballroom scene) with internationally-known acts. It also has the most impressive lighting scheme in Paris and a sound system that wouldn't be out of place in New York or Berlin. Patrons tend to be well-dressed in an artistic way, so only roll up in jeans if you're already ridiculously famous.

Le Baron

Talking about nightlife in Paris without mention Le Baron would basically be blasphemy. Tucked away in the eighth, its influence knows no bounds, and even people who criticize it can be found stumbling in at 5am after leaving other parties. Much smaller than its New York counterpart, the Parisian original draws famous musicians, scenesters, models, and actresses—and the people who want to hang out with them.

The artistic programming is spectacular, with a mix of top-notch DJs playing old soul 45s, secret concerts by international rock stars, and actually forward-thinking underground Parisian acts. Again, since this is Paris, dress to impress and expect to patiently wait (and potentially be turned away by the doorman).

Wanderlust

The largest club in a brand-new bright-green building right on the Seine, Wanderlust cemented its place in Parisian nightlife last year by offering an eclectic mix of daytime and evening activities. The sprawling terrace houses fitness and yoga classes by day, and turns into a hot spot to grab a drink and watch the sun set while listening to international DJs. During the warmer months, the party outside continues while DJs play a mix of driving nu-disco and housey edits in the smaller indoor club. In addition to the two dance floors, Wanderlust also has food trucks, a games corner where young Parisians challenge each other to ping-pong and pinball, and a more upscale indoor restaurant. Hugely popular with younger clubbers, you're likely to hear multiple languages but, if you're over 30, you will definitely be the oldest person on the dance floor.

Titty Twister

Don't let the slightly-vulgar name fool you: this underground (literally) nightlife hotspot is mere steps from the Champs-Élysées and sees smartly-dressed Parisians and fashion-oriented internationals, thanks to a strict but fair doorman. Once downstairs, patrons can choose between grabbing a booth and opting for bottle service, sidling up to a massive stone bar, or making a beeline for the dancefloor, where a diverse but immaculately coiffed crowd dances until sunrise to a mix of underground hip-hop, 90s hits, and Beyoncé. The eclectic decor (a buffalo head in the smoking room, neon signs offering pearls of wisdom like “don't make sense, make dollars”) was inspired by the set of Pulp Fiction and the club's creator, Cyril Peret Paglinghi, wanted to bring a touch of downtown New York to more uptight Paris—and succeeded admirably.

Concrete

For those who'd like to dance to techno and house music on a boat, there is Concrete, which opens its doors on Saturday night and closes sometime early on Monday morning. Taking more than a couple of pages from Berlin's playbook, Concrete sees an eclectic crowd of French dance enthusiasts and internationals seasoned in the art of dancing for marathon stretches. If the idea of being cooped up next to some of the best speakers in Paris sounds a bit overwhelming, rest assured that the upper deck of the boat offers some open-air respite, which can be welcome even in the winter months. One thing's for sure, though; dancing to the biggest names in Berlin and New York electronic music while watching tourist cruise boats and the flicker of traffic across the Seine makes for a truly unforgettable evening out.

Social Club

This corner spot on Rue Montmartre could possibly have the best bookings in Paris, so it's no wonder that it's a reliable bustling choice regardless of the night of the week. Underground and a few doors down from Silencio, Social Club is somehow edgy but immaculate (the only place that looks remotely dive-y is the backstage), with one of the best sound systems in Paris and futuristic lights encasing the DJ booth. Surprisingly good drinks are delivered quickly by the most efficient bar staff in Paris, there's usually enough room to dance, and depending on your tastes, you could be dancing to French electro, UK hip-hop, or Italian house music until the sun comes up.